Manoosh: The Details in The Fabric

Manoosh: The Details in The Fabric

Before Anna Wilson presents her newest collection at Tootsies tonight we would like to take you back to the early 1900’s where a feminist artist owned a pet monkey and drove convertibles. Anna’s great aunt, Jane Peterson, was an American Impressionist and Expressionist painter, a progressive woman, ahead of her time, with an adventure filled life, and counting amongst her friends Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Anna’s heritage is impressive, to say the least; her family has been in the textile business since the late 1800’s, a tradition that has been passed down to generations since her great grandfather founded a textile company in Wisconsin. Fast forward to today, and it’s the only one remaining in the midwest. The way Anna beams with excitement while telling us these stories reminds us of the importance of family, heritage and art. From this principle, life is weaved into the fabric, and Manoosh is born.

Carrying on with the family textile as well as artistic traditions; in 2014, Anna created Manoosh. She partnered with local abstract painter, Marilyn Biles, to create a collection of silk scarves that are digitally printed with Marilyn’s paintings. The scarves translate the emotional gestures of Marilyn’s work beautifully and the movement of the fabric on the body has truly given her paintings a new dimension to her work.

The scarves from Manoosh’s first collection sold out almost immediately. This second collection features bolder paintings, that have more energy, and more character. They are also introducing 100% cashmere scarves. What we love most about these is how the blend and contrast in colors offers different looks depending on how you drape them. The careful attention to detail here is stunning—as is Anna’s passion for the line—made even more clear when she explained how she hand-made the paint splattered wrapping paper.

For this line, Anna created the “Susan Scarf”, in memory of Susan Poorman-Blackie who passed away last summer from ovarian cancer. Her son, Buck, chose the painting “Outcrop” by Marilyn Biles, which is composed of jagged, boulder-like shapes that are surrounded by soft teal and purple planes. A beautiful piece made even more special by the fact that all of the proceeds will benefit the Susan Poorman-Blackie Ovarian Cancer Foundation, and their efforts to raise awareness and fund research.

Manoosh might be new to the scene, but they have already made a big impact in the city. They have pulled us in, and reminded us of why we fall in love with clothing. What we inherit, whether it be tactile, history or tradition, become mementos that provide us with insight into our past, and offer a deeper understanding of who we are.

You can learn more about Manoosh on their website www.frommanoosh.com and purchase the scarves locally at Saint Cloud Boutique, Lérànt, Julie Rhodes Fashion & Home, and Round Top Boutique.